Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet dip that's ready in minutes with just a handful of pantry staples - no cooking required.
I first tasted this at Bonefish Grill, where the sauce coats their fried shrimp appetizers, and I knew I needed a homemade version. Now I keep a batch on hand for everything from fries to chicken wings.
Quick Facts:
- Ready in t. minutes, one bowl.
- Just 5 pantry staples, no cooking required.
- Stores up to 1 week in the fridge.
- 12 servings at 80 calories each.
Bang Bang, Yum Yum, or Boom Boom Sauce - What's the Difference?
These three get mixed up constantly, but they're not the same sauce. Bang bang gets its kick from sriracha and sweet chili sauce, with honey rounding out the heat - genuinely spicy, with a chili flavor that builds.
Yum yum sauce swaps in ketchup, butter, garlic, and paprika instead, so it's more of a mild, savory fry sauce with barely any heat.
Boom boom sauce sits in between - it's built on the same mayo-and-chill base as bang bang, but adds ketchup for extra tang and a garlicky punch. If you want real heat, bang bang is the one.
Why You'll Love Bang Bang Sauce
Made your way: Dial the heat up or down to taste.
Better than the bottle: No preservatives, and it's ready faster than a trip to the store
Key Ingredients
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds everything together. Use full fat for the richest flavor, but reduced fat works too.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: A sugary chili-based sauce that adds sweetness and mild heat.
Honey: Just a drizzle deepens the sweet notes and smooths out the spice.
Sriracha: Brings bold chili heat and a touch of garlic flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Brightens the sauce with tang. Lemon juice works in a pinch.
Substitutions
Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
Maple syrup in place of honey.
Extra sriracha or cayenne pepper to bump up the heat.
Variations
Add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for extra savory flavor.
Mix in a splash of soy sauce for a salty, umami twist.
Top Tips
- Taste and adjust spice level before serving. Start small with sriracha and work your way up.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving if you want the flavors to meld more fully.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before using. This sauce should not be frozen, as it can separate when thawed.
You Might Be Wondering
No - yum yum sauce is milder and ketchup-based, while this one gets real heat from sriracha and sweet chili sauce.
Close, but boom boom adds ketchup to the mix. This version skips it for a cleaner sweet-and-spicy flavor.
Yes - it keeps in the fridge for up to a week, so it's easy to make a day or two before you need it.
Any hot sauce works, or leave it out and add cayenne to taste.
Serve With...
Use this sauce for dipping, drizzling, or spreading:
More Sauce Recipes
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Bang Bang Sauce (Easy Copycat Version)
Equipment
- Mixing spoons
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ½ tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Stir until no mayonnaise lumps remain.
- Store in airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
Comments
No Comments